Friday, February 14, 2025
HomeFeatureJetsetter Nana raises stakes with scholarship

Jetsetter Nana raises stakes with scholarship

After travelling half way around the world to call Logan home, mastering four languages and completing a Masters in International Law, Nana Makatema is set to expand her skills even further.

Nana was announced as a 2022 Jack Cranstoun Scholarship recipient for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse category, to complete studies in Mediation, to support the community as a Family Law solicitor.

Through the scholarship, Nana will be trained by experienced mediators from Queensland’s Dispute Resolution Branch and can be assessed for National Mediator Accreditation.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nana’s family moved initially to Uganda, before arriving in Sydney, then settling in Acacia Ridge.

“I went to school in Sunnybank, and then completed a double degree at Griffith University in Law, Government, Politics and International Relations, by this time we had moved to Logan, in 2017,” Nana said.

“I was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as a Solicitor in 2018, and went to work in private practice, thanks to the support I received from another solicitor while I was completing my practical training at university, as well as working as a mediator with Services Australia.

“A university friend opened his own practice and I began working with him, I enjoy the work, I specialise in Family Law, and try to show people the mediation path, rather than just going straight to the court process.

“I help clients going through relationship breakdowns, they can sometimes be resolved without going to court, I see parents trying to navigate the court system, it can be very difficult, there are so many things that can happen, don’t just go to court.

“It can also be very expensive, if they can avoid some of the unnecessary costs, it can be a better outcome.”

Outside of work, Nana is also active in the Congolese community, serving as General Secretary of the association, and using her legal and mediation skills to work with community members.

“The association works as a support agency for the Congolese community in legal and government affairs, and providing cultural background for police.

“I am a cultural adviser, I work with elders for dispute resolution, and use my mediation skills to help with family disputes in the Congolese community.”

The scholarship training will allow Nana to train other mediators, with her credentials recognised by the court system, which requires mediation before appearances.

“I think it is a crucial skill to have, in the broader community, not just among the Congolese community.”

Looking ahead, Nana said she sees where the gaps are in the legal system, for both men and women, especially in domestic violence or child support matters, and wants to teach how child support and domestic violence orders work.

“I have seen a huge gap in the services available for men, to assist them, there are many services for women, I believe men are more reserved and are perhaps lacking knowledge and understanding of what they can access.”

Another longterm goal is to run workshops to help the Congolese community adapt to Australian laws.

“I have seen how one incident as a young man can follow them for many years, especially in future employment, if they have a criminal record.”

Nana said she is grateful to both her mother, for her support and sacrifices, allowing Nana to choose her own future.

“A single mother, she gave us the freedom to study what we wanted, I also thank God, and finally, my friend Kennedy Shuli, he was the one who encouraged me to apply for the scholarship.”

Photo

MCL Cranstoun Nana

Caption

Nana Makatema, a 2022 recipient of the Jack Cranstoun Scholarship for Mediators

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here